National

Operate photographic processing machines, such as photographic printing machines, film developing machines, and mounting presses.

Sample of reported job titles: Photo Lab Technician, Photo Specialist, Digital Printer Operator, Photo Lab Manager, Photo Lab Specialist, Photo Technician, Film Processor, Finisher, Mini-Lab Operator, Photo Printer

Tasks

• Remove completed work from equipment.
• Place film in labeled containers, or number film for identification, by hand or by using numbering machines.
• Read work orders and examine negatives and film in order to determine machine settings and processing requirements.
• Insert processed negatives and prints into envelopes so that they can be returned to customers.
• Load circuit boards, racks or rolls of film, negatives, and/or printing paper into processing or printing machines.
• Fill tanks of processing machines with solutions such as developer, dyes, stop-baths, fixers, bleaches, and washes.
• Sort film to be developed according to criteria such as film type or completion date.
• Measure and mix chemicals to prepare solutions for processing, according to formulas.
• Monitor equipment operation to detect malfunctions.
• Clean and maintain photoprocessing equipment, using cleaning and rinsing solutions and ultrasonic equipment.

51-2021.00	Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers
51-4193.00	Plating and Coating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-5022.00	Prepress Technicians and Workers
51-5023.00	Printing Machine Operators
51-9012.00	Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-9121.00	Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
53-7071.00	Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators